United Kingdom announces £5 million support for Western Balkans migration cooperation
The United Kingdom has announced up to £5 million in new support to help Western Balkan countries strengthen cooperation against migrant smuggling and organised immigration crime. The funding will provide British training and expertise to improve regional information sharing and combat the exploitation of migrant workers. UK Minister for Europe …
Albania honours Queen Geraldine 24 years after her passing
Albania honours Queen Geraldine on October 22, marking 24 years since her passing in 2002. Known as the “White Rose of Hungary,” Geraldine arrived in Albania in December 1937 following an invitation from the sisters of King Zog I. The king had seen her photograph at a ball in Budapest. …
Assembly approves Adea Pirdeni as public administration minister
The Assembly has approved Adea Pirdeni’s appointment as Minister of Public Administration, with 76 votes in favour and none against or abstaining. In a message shared today, Pirdeni stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for the law and institutions, and shared responsibility as Albania moves towards European Union membership. She …
Albania registers nearly 2,000 new businesses in September
Albania registered 1,985 new businesses in September 2026, according to the National Business Centre. Tirana accounted for 1,085 registrations, or 54.7% of the national total. Durrës followed with 212, while Vlora recorded 132. Trade led the sectors attracting new businesses, with 464 registrations. Accommodation and food services followed with 220, …
EU enlargement chief highlights key decisions for Western Balkans
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says the coming weeks and months will bring decisive moments for Western Balkan countries pursuing European Union membership. Speaking ahead of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Kos highlighted different priorities across the region. Montenegro must complete its accession negotiations, Serbia faces upcoming elections, …
Albanian customs revenue reaches 186 billion ALL in nine months
Albania’s customs administration collected around 185.9 billion ALL in revenue from January to September 2026, an increase of 7.2 billion ALL compared with the same period in 2025. The General Directorate of Customs said the results represented 104% of the revenue target. It described the first nine months of 2026 …
Government plans four-pillar package to support up to 16,000 young people
Albania is preparing a new package to support young people through employment, housing, education and greater transparency, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said. The package initially aims to reach 10,000 young people, with the number potentially rising to 16,000. It includes expanding employment support to 5,000 young …
Rama Renews Invitation for Dialogue with Protesters, This Time Placing Invitations on Stone Benches
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again invited protesters to engage in dialogue. In a video published on Thursday morning, Rama placed the invitations on stone benches, unlike the previous day, when he had placed them on chairs. Alongside the video, the Prime Minister wrote: “Good morning.” A day earlier, …
Opposition Blocks Parliamentary Podium, Peleshi Moves Directly to Voting Amid Tensions
Following tensions in Parliament, where opposition MPs blocked the podium and Flamur Noka removed the microphone from Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla, Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi announced that the session would proceed directly to voting. As the electronic voting system had been damaged, Peleshi said the vote would …
Kos: Coming Months Crucial for Western Balkans’ EU Integration, Albania Must Maintain Reform Momentum
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has praised Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership, stressing that the coming weeks and months will be decisive for the European future of the Western Balkan countries. Speaking at the Berlin Process Summit in Budva, Montenegro, Kos highlighted that each country in the region …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has expressed solidarity with Italy after a military helicopter crashed near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, killing three people and injuring 12 others. The helicopter supported the EUFOR Althea mission, the European Union’s peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a military helicopter crash near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The crash involved a helicopter linked to the EUFOR mission. It killed three people and injured 12 others. Hoxha extended Albania’s condolences to the victims’ families, …
Work on the Saranda bypass is progressing rapidly, with completion expected next year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of the construction site and said the project would reduce traffic and make travel easier for residents and tourists. The project, known as the “Sixth Road”, includes the construction of …
Albania has lost one of its most distinguished legal scholars. Academician Luan Omari, a founding member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 101. Omari devoted his life to legal research, education and the development of Albania’s constitutional system. Through his …
Roskovec has welcomed local and regional officials from the European Union and Mediterranean countries following the 17th session of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) in Tirana. The visit brought together mayors, local councillors and representatives from Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Morocco and Mauritania. They exchanged experiences and …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Canadian Ambassador to Albania Elissa Golberg on October 29 to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Hoxha described Canada as a friend, NATO ally and trusted partner. He also thanked Ottawa for its contribution to Albania’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development. Both …
Albania’s government has approved a draft law to establish a National Art Fund. The initiative will use part of the savings from public procurement to support artists and invest in the country’s cultural heritage. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the fund would allocate up to 10% of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video showing construction work on Saranda’s “Sixth Road,” highlighting the importance of the investment in improving road infrastructure and easing traffic congestion in the city. According to Rama, the project aims to reduce traffic, make daily travel easier for residents, and provide better …
The Transparency Board has set new retail and wholesale prices for diesel and petrol in Albania following a meeting held on Thursday, October 29. According to the board’s decision, the maximum retail price of diesel will be 212 lek per litre, while the wholesale price must not exceed 200 lek …
The unexplained transfer of Tirana’s mayor to Fier prison has triggered tensions within the ruling Socialist Party and an immediate response from Tirana’s Municipal Council, raising serious concerns about administrative arbitrariness and the rule of law. Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – The sudden transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj …